 Along the north from Panaji on the road to Belgaum,
is a sanctuary that covers 240-sq-kms. Thick forest clad the
slopes of the Western Ghats that is rich in wildlife and a
paradise for bird watchers. Police Outpost at the gateway of the
sanctuary in calm and quiet surroundings is like a painting on a
canvas in Malem.
There are important geographical and historical features in this
sanctuary. Jeeps on private arrangements go to the interior of
the forest. Mahabir is particularly known for its Leopards,
Elephants, Deers & Gaur Or Indian Bison.
It is more convienient to view wild animals from the Devil's
Canion View Point. Bird lovers may also find their best time over
here. The famous temple of Tambdisurla of the Kadambas is
situated 13-km from here. In Mangalore To Margao journey on
Konkan Railway one can enjoy Malem with Dudhsagar through the
windows.
Bondla Forest
 Bondla is good place to
see Sambhar and Wild Boar. It is smallest of the Goan Wildlife
Sanctuaries. Its area is 8-sq-kms but easiest one to reach.
Situated 55-km from Panajim and 38-km from Margoa, the sanctuary
includes a Botanical Garden, fenced Deer Park and Zoo, which is
better than most, with reasonably spacious enclosures.
The zoo was originally established to house orphaned animals, but
it's now also breeding colony for large species of deer. It
covers 8-sq-kms of deciduous forest Bondla is a miniature zoo of
caged animals and birds and a popular picnic destination for
locals. Elephant rides are an attraction here.
Bondla forest nest Bison, Wild Beer, Deer, Leopard, various types
of serpent and birds. On to its way, the only mosque Safa
Shahouri Masjid built by Ali Adilshah in 1560 can be seen at
Ponda.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctaury
On the western tip to the island of Chorao along River Mandovi,
mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers' paradise aptly named
after India's best-known ornithologist.
Open throughout the year, the sanctuary can be visited with the
permission of the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department,
Junta House, Panaji. Apart from a rich variety of coastal birds,
one may spot flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles
Catigo Wildlife Sanctuary
The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, 10-km southeast of Chaudi, was
established in 1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable area of
forest lining the Goa- Karnataka border. Encompassing 86-sq-kms
of mixed deciduous woodland, the reserve is certain to inspire
tree lovers, but less likely to yield many wildlife sightings:
its Tigers and Leopards were hunted out long ago, while the
Gazelles, Sloth Bears, Porcupines, Panthers and Hyenas that
allegedly lurk in the woods rarely appear.
Visitors however, stand a good chance of spotting at least two
species of Monkey, a couple of Wild Boar and the Odd Gaur. The
sanctuary is best visited between October and March months.
Cotigao is a peaceful and scenic park that makes a pleasant day
trip from Palolem, 12-km northwest. The wardens at the reserve's
small Interpretative Centre will show one how to get to a
25m-high treetop watchtower, overlooking a waterhole that
attracts a handful of animals around dawn and dusk.
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